Monday, 7th January, 2013
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed his side’s 2-1 victory over Mansfield in the FA Cup, insisting it took real character to achieve the result.
The win was marred by an incident during the second goal, when Luis Suarez appeared to handle the ball before putting it into the net. Had the Uruguayan not scored, or been pulled up by a match official, Mansfield’s later goal would have been an equaliser.
As it was though Liverpool progressed, with Daniel Sturridge scoring their first on his debut in another welcome development for the Merseyside giants.
And Rodgers was understandably delighted at what he saw, quickly pointing out just how difficult the trip to face non-league opposition was in his view.
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"It takes character to come to places like this", he told his club’s official site.
"We’ve seen over many years in this competition that these games are very difficult. In some ways, they can be more difficult than Premier League games.
"It’s a big credit to my players; I thought we showed great character. The game could have been out of sight in the first half with the chances we had. But you’ve also got to give credit to Mansfield because at 2-0 they kept the game alive.
"There were periods in the second half where we had to show resilience and character. We’ve seen it over the years in this competition, the big teams going to away grounds of a lower league opponent and coming unstuck.
"Big credit to Mansfield and the town today – the supporters were brilliant and made it a proper cup tie. You’re never comfortable. Thankfully we got through and into the next round."
Liverpool have been handed a Fourth Round trip to League One Oldham Athletic as their reward for beating Mansfield.
The Reds reached the final of the FA Cup last season, ultimately losing to Chelsea, and they would be delighted to go one better this year.
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